The MarketsMarch 13, 2008

401(k) Participants Still Fleeing Equities

In February, the weak stock market again led 401(k) participants to flee equity investments for fixed income funds, according to the results of the Hewitt 401(k) Index.

Reported by Fred Schneyer

By month end, nearly $219 million in balances transferred out of equities and into fixed income investments on a net basis, the Hewitt data showed. Approximately 80% of the net transfers flowed into GIC/stable value funds. Lifestyle funds received the second largest net inflow of $46 million.

U.S. equity funds took the biggest hit as a total of $80 million transferred out on a net basis during the month. However, the activity was much less significant than the $521 million net outflows experienced in January. International funds, which attracted nearly $1.2 billion in 2007, also experienced net outflows of $74 million in February, following January outflows of $489 million. Company stock funds had $68 million transferring out in February.

Participants’ total equity allocation also declined slightly to 64.0% – the result of both market weakness and participant transfers. The equity allocation is now back to nearly the same level as in July 2004, Hewitt said. GIC/Stable Value held the largest portion of 401(k) assets among all asset classes at the end of February, followed by Large U.S. Equity (19.12%) and Company Stock (16.41%).

However, Large U.S. Equity was the winner of overall contributions to 401(k)s for the month (18.16%), followed by Company Stock (16.39%) and Lifestyle/Pre-mix funds (14.48%). Participant-only contributions also mostly were invested in Large U.S. Equity (21.03%). Lifestyle/Pre-mix funds gained 15.92% of participant-only contributions and GIC/Stable Value investments gained 15.04%.

Net transfers by 401(k) participants were fixed income oriented during 70% of the days in February, according to the Index. However, overall participant activity slowed down significantly compared to January. Only 0.04% of plan balances transferred on a daily basis in February, which was in line with the twelve month trailing average, and much lower than the 0.09% daily transfer experienced during January 2008. For the month, transfer activity was above normal on two days.

The Hewitt data is here.